- Electrochemical cell
- A device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy using redox reactions.
- Electrolyte
- An ionic solution (or polymer membrane) that allows ions to flow between electrodes.
- Fuel cell
- An electrochemical cell that continuously generates electricity from an external fuel supply (e.g. hydrogen) and an oxidant (e.g. oxygen), with no need for recharging.
- Anode
- The electrode where oxidation occurs (negative terminal in a fuel cell).
- Cathode
- The electrode where reduction occurs (positive terminal in a fuel cell).
- Accumulator
- A type of rechargeable battery (e.g. lead-acid car battery).
This definitions covers Key Terms within Fuel Cells for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Fuel Cells in Energy Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 5 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 7 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Practice questions for Fuel Cells
A simple electrochemical cell is made by placing two different metal electrodes into an electrolyte. Which statement correctly describes what affects the voltage produced?
Compare a non-rechargeable alkaline battery with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the rechargeable battery.
Quick recall flashcards
What is a fuel cell?
An electrochemical cell that generates electricity continuously from an external fuel supply (hydrogen) and an oxidant (oxygen).
Unlike a battery, it does not run down — it operates as long as fuel is supplied.
Only product: water.
Write the overall equation for the hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell.
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
Only product: water.
No carbon dioxide or air pollutants produced at point of use.